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Article: Pregnancy Relaxation Tips

You will experience many changes when you are pregnant - your body expands, you are uncomfortable, you can’t sleep, you are worried about the baby, you are stressed at work and scared about the birth… with all this happening, you need to turn all that into positive energy. Here are some tips :

Nature
Go back to nature, take a walk in the park, breathe in the fresh air and even just sitting amongst the greenery and flowers will help to relax you. I like walking on the grass with my bare feet to feel the connection with nature. It sure is a change from pounding on concrete all day.

Exercise
Yoga is a gentle stretching exercise to keep your body toned and supple. Many places offer yoga classes for pregnant women.

A few yoga centers that we know of:

1. Shambhala Yoga at Forum The Shopping Mall
2. On the Mat at Robertson Quay
3. Mother and Child Centre at Tanglin Mall

Swimming is a great cardiovascular exercise that keeps you fit while the water cushions your joints to prevent injury. I consider swimming as water therapy as I feel weightless, cool and relaxed in the water. Brisk walking too is a good way to keep fit, and when you walk in the park, it allows you to commune with nature as well.

Music
Choose soothing music to help you unwind. I like classical music and some new age CDs where I can listen to raindrops, waves lapping and birds chirping. I often go to sleep with the waves lapping in the background.

Pampering
Go for a facial, massage or a haircut. If you are going for a massage, remember to tell the masseuse beforehand, that you are pregnant. I like going for hair wash and pedicure. Well-groomed tootsies make me feel pretty and more myself, despite the expanding middle.

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Go Shopping
Pick up something nice to wear, a new accessory, new maternity clothes, or pretty lingerie. We have pretty bras and thongs in lace, which are sure to sizzle!

Positive Visualization
Lie down in a comfortable place, prop your feet up and visualize a beautiful environment where you feel relaxed. It could be the beach, or a waterfall or a garden, and let your mind wander in this magical place. Stay carefree and peaceful, do not allow any worries or anxiety come into this place. When you feel ready to face the world again, slowly open your eyes and savour the calmness before moving.

Laugh
Meet up with friends, watch a comedy, anything that can make you laugh, and take your mind off your worries or discomfort. Definitely my favourite way to relax!

Getaway
A weekend getaway can help you and your spouse re-connect before the demands of a new addition to the family distract you. If you do not have other children, the next break may be some time away. If you already have children, send them to reliable child care resources such as parents or in laws. Make the most of your time with your spouse and throw in a huge dose of romance. When the baby arrives, your romance may be put on the backburner for a while until you get into the rhythm of things.

Vegetate
Just do nothing. Lie down, put your feet up and stare into space. Don’t allow feelings of guilt or that to-do list invade your space for the next 15 minutes, or whichever length of time you need to recover. My favorite position was to recline on my couch with my feet on the stool, a cool drink in one hand and absolutely nothing to do ;)

Well, here are just 8 suggestions on what you can do to relax, some cost money, and some cost nothing. If you have any other relaxation tips, write to me and I’d be happy to share them with the rest of the mothers-to-be.

Cheers,
Landy